Sunday, August 24, 2008

Anticipation


As September approaches and the heat and humidity of summer wanes, I find my thoughts turning to Autumn - my absolute, hands down, favorite time of the year. I know, I know - we still have weeks to go, and I'm probably faking myself out thinking the cooler evenings we've been enjoying will continue. Late August and early September can turn into a 24 hour a day sauna here in southeastern Pennsylvania.

But there are subtle signs; the tips of a few trees turning a beautiful amber color, the flowering crabapple tree in the backyard dropping it's fruit to the ground, some of the herbs in the garden going to seed, local shops bursting with fall decor, advertisements for upcoming fairs and festivals....I can't help it - I'm giddy with anticipation!

Some of my favorite things about autumn:

The crunch of leaves underfoot walking down a wooded path.

The scent of woodsmoke as we drive past Amish farms.

Apple picking and cider drinking at a local orchard; coming home to make and freeze homemade applesauce and pies.

Buying and burning fall scented candles.

Big, bulky sweaters and jeans, worn with Timberland boots.

Fairs, shows and festivals (in particular, the Ghoultide Gathering!)

Road trips - to Michigan, and later in the month south to Asheville, N.C....It just doesn't get any better or more beautiful than driving the Blue Ridge parkway in October.

PUMPKINS! Pumpkin pie, pumpkin muffins ("puffins"), pumpkin soup, pumpkin bread, pumpkin lattes - my absolute favorite flavor (Okay, maybe next to chocolate, lol)

Wearing scarves, shawls and hats I've knitted myself. Comfy-cozy.

Halloween (and buying just a tad more candy than we actually need, teehee!)

Homemade soups; minestrone, tomato bisque, french onion, vegetarian chili with homemade cornbread, cider-baked butternut squash soup....yummmmmmm.

Flannel sheets and knitted afghans on the bed. Cats and Aussie dogs as footwarmers. :)


How about you? What are your favorite things about autumn?

9 comments:

Christopher A. Klingler said...

FUN post Carolee & read. LOVED your favorite things about Fall! :)

Spooky CK

Gilane said...

I love Autumn for all the same reasons i could not think of anything more . i look forward to Autumn , the twilight evenings and cooler temperatures beginging here in Alabama, Your Art work is AMAZING .......Have a Wonderful Autumn!!

Unknown said...

Carolee, loved your list and the piece too!
My favourite things about Autumn are:

Halloween - decorations & costumes, crisp-cooler air, blue skies, leaves and the colour changes, lots of candy, pumpkins and gourds and of course going to Ghoultide to see you.

Lori

Jeri Anne said...

Oh my, what DON'T I love about fall? Living in Michigan, I love when it's apple time! We eat apple everything! Love, love, love Halloween! And changing leaves. I could go on and on. Also, I feel your pain about ebay. It should be up to us if we want to accept money orders or not. Oh well, life goes on! Your blog and art are lovely!

Anonymous said...

AMEN! Makes me want to pull up roots and move to Penn! I do love fall, enjoy!!

xo Kitty

Anonymous said...

Hi Carolee -
Love all the same things you do plus Haunted Houses and Scarrrry movies:)

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black eyed susans kitchen said...

What a wonderful post..all about my favorite time of year! I love autumn for all of your reasons and...most importantly....it is sweater weather. I have a very weird sweater fetish...cashmere is best. I could wear the same jeans a million days in a row (well, I would wash them) but oh those sweater options. Halloween, Thanksgiving and the swirl of beautiful colors on the trees. Heaven! Susan

Dianie said...

Beautiful Writing! You have such a gift with words!
Happy Autumn :)

~Diane